A Preview of Binaytara’s Flagship Conference: Summit on Cancer Health Disparities (SCHD25)

Introduction

The hidden costs of cancer care can be devastating and are not discussed enough. With emerging treatments and technologies, at Binaytara, we continue to pose the question: How can advancements in medicine help bring equity to cancer care? In pursuit of answering this question, hundreds of healthcare providers, scientists, policymakers, and other stakeholders will gather in Seattle at the Summit on Cancer Health Disparities (SCHD25) in April.

About SCHD25

SCHD25 is a premier annual event organized by Binaytara to fuel its mission—minimizing cancer disparities. It is one of the few conferences in the United States that focuses on tackling disparities in cancer care. The conference will cover issues at the forefront of cancer care, including a deep dive into implementation science, community outreach and engagement, and artificial intelligence. Attendees will meet from April 25 to April 27, 2025, at the Bell Harbor International Conference Center in Seattle, Washington. They will participate in various sessions designed to fuel active learning, including lectures, panel discussions, debates, and case-based discussions. The conference also includes breakout sessions that address niche topics that will foster close-knit discussions between experts.

Several oral and poster presentations will showcase the latest research and advancements in cancer care and disparities. These presentations will cover topics ranging from the development of OncoBlast for flexible learning to using machine models to understand cancer risk in the global population. As a CME-accredited activity, SCHD25 aims to equip its participants with tools to translate research into actionable strategies for diverse healthcare settings.

Abstract poster presentations during SCHD24

Why Attend SCHD25?

Equity, “the quality of being fair and impartial,” is an often overlooked aspect of cancer care. When we talk about developing new treatments or designing new technology to improve cancer outcomes, we often sideline the equity aspect. Does the targeted population have access to the newer treatments? Are healthcare providers in rural communities aware of emerging life-saving treatments? What is the cost of the gap between taking a treatment from bench to bedside? Is the financial burden in cancer care impacting overall survival? Can awareness and prevention improve cancer mortality rates? The answers to these questions and more will be spotlighted at SCHD25. It is crucial to examine topics at the intersection of all the variables that can impact a cancer patient's outcomes. SCHD25 aims to tackle these topics and encourage its participants to implement approaches that will promote the reduction of cancer disparities.

Attendees at a SCHD24 session

SCHD25 is an invaluable event, given the array of educational activities and learning opportunities in rooms filled with leading experts. Upon successful completion of all sessions, participants will earn up to 16.50 Medical Knowledge points in the American Board of Medicine's (ABIM) Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program, 16.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™, 16.50 continuing education units from the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education, and 16.50 nursing contact hours. Similarly, networking with healthcare professionals and stakeholders from different backgrounds helps foster collaboration and opens an avenue to create novel impacts in patients' lives.

Innovative Topics and Sessions at SCHD25

SCHD25 will be featuring renowned oncology experts at the forefront of the field. Dr. Ana María López, MD, MPH, and Dr. David Aboulafia, both leading professionals, will chair the event. The conference will cover a range of innovative topics, including investigative sessions like Root Causes of Cancer Disparities: An Intersectional Perspective and clinical discussions such as ctDNA in the Management and Surveillance of Colorectal Cancers. Action-oriented sessions will also be featured, including Introduction to Implementation Science: Bridging the Gap Between Research and Practice and Links to Care – Real-World Experience: Building Bridges Between Health Systems. These sessions and more at SCHD25 highlight its commitment to delivering a dynamic and comprehensive learning experience.

The chair of the community engagement and outreach session, Dr. Don Dizon, the director of women's cancer at Brown University, mentioned, “We have invited three speakers to discuss their efforts in building trust through bi-directional communication between healthcare centers and communities. Attendees will hear from a nurse healthcare researcher, a primary care physician, and a professor from the Seattle area, each bringing unique perspectives. The key takeaway is that anyone, regardless of their role, can make a difference with passion, clear objectives, and a focus on measurable outcomes. This session aims to help attendees turn their goals into actionable steps.”

Binaytara Gala Dinner

Day 2 programming of SCHD25 ends with the Binaytara Annual Gala. The gala’s tagline —Conquering New Heights—alludes to the mountainous terrain of Nepal and the impactful work that Binaytara is doing there to elevate cancer care. From running the only 25-bed cancer center in Madhesh province to now constructing a 200-bed cancer hospital, Binaytara’s role in increasing global cancer care access is exponentially climbing. This gala aims to gather Binaytara’s supporters and SCHD25 attendees to celebrate and transform cancer care in Nepal. Register here to join the Gala and become a Founding Champion of the new, state-of-the-art 200-bed Binaytara Cancer Hospital.

A slew of exciting and meaningful activities have been planned for this event. Binaytara’s Education Programs and Fund Development Coordinator, Emma Robinson, who also planned the gala, mentioned, “One of the highlights will be a live auction item, offering one or two people the chance to travel to Nepal with Dr. Shah. Guests will also be able to bid on a spot for next year’s trek in Nepal. The event kicks off with a reception and silent auction, featuring curated items like hotel stays, tickets, and dining experiences. We are also creating an immersive 'Nepal hospital experience,' with banners showcasing the hospital, its patients, and the critical need for support. Following that, we will have dinner, a live auction led by an emcee, and an awards presentation honoring key supporters.”

Unveiling the model of the Binaytara Hospital at the 2024 Gala

Some of the awards presented during the gala include the Humanitarian Award, Faculty of the Year Award, and Volunteer of the Year Award. These awards honor individuals who exemplify Binaytara’s core values, demonstrate exceptional dedication to our mission, and make significant contributions to our educational initiatives. Overall, the evening will gather a diverse group, from local Seattle supporters to faculty attending SCHD25, all united in advancing cancer care and equity.

Conclusion

SCHD25, one of Binaytara’s notable conferences, will unite healthcare professionals and stakeholders to address a critical issue in cancer care: disparities. The interdisciplinary discussions throughout the conference will keep equity at the forefront for all cancer care stakeholders. The inherent value of SCHD25 lies in its programming, which includes sessions featuring actionable learning approaches and innovative discussions with key thought leaders from diverse oncology backgrounds. Upon its opening on April 25, SCHD25 is set to mobilize attendees towards closing the gap in cancer care.

Register now and join the conversation that will shape the future of how we treat and manage cancer patients. For CE/CME-related inquiries, email us at [email protected]. Follow the conversations on cancer disparities online with the hashtag #SCHD25.